Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at those words.
Cui Yan, however, asked with some concern, "Your Majesty, how are we to settle these hundreds of thousands of commoners who have suddenly arrived?"
These commoners had come far too suddenly.
With hundreds of thousands more people all at once, settling them was a major problem. Moreover, it was winter now; if things went badly, many would starve or freeze to death.
"I was just about to discuss this with you all."
"But let us return to the palace first."
Liu Xie spoke. He had spent these past days dealing with the Yuan Clan. Now that the Yuan Clan had undergone Clan Extermination, it was time to resolve the question of settling these commoners.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The ministers all voiced their assent.
After Liu Xie left the execution ground with everyone, the watching commoners dispersed as well. Zhang He escorted Yuan Shao back to the Northern Office, while Gao Lan remained to direct the soldiers in dealing with the bodies.
"Minister of Works, His Majesty said to leave these bodies in your care. What would you like us to do? Just give the word."
Gao Lan asked Yuan Xi.
His manner was very courteous, not because Yuan Xi now held the exalted office of Minister of Works, but because his entire clan had just been exterminated. Frankly, it was too tragic.
Yuan Xi raised a hand to wipe the tears from his face. Unable to bear looking at the bodies behind him, he told Gao Lan, "Sorry for the trouble, General Gao, but please dig a large pit outside the city and bury all the bodies together, so I will have somewhere to pay my respects in the future."
"No problem."
Gao Lan agreed without another word.
Yuan Xi thanked